# Vallabha

> Hindu philosopher and founder of Pushtimarg, a Vaishnav Hindu sect

**Wikidata**: [Q2343604](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2343604)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vallabha)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/vallabha

## Summary
Vallabha was a Hindu philosopher and the founder of Pushtimarg, a Vaishnav Hindu sect. He is notable for his contributions to Vaishnavite theology and the establishment of a distinct religious tradition in India.

## Biography
- Born: 1479 (approximate)
- Nationality: Indian
- Education: Trained in Vaishnavite philosophy under the guidance of prominent teachers
- Known for: Founding Pushtimarg, a Vaishnavite sect
- Employer(s): None (religious leader and philosopher)
- Field(s): Hindu philosophy, Vaishnavism

## Contributions
Vallabha founded Pushtimarg, a Vaishnavite sect, which emphasized devotion to Lord Krishna and the worship of the Pushkarini (a sacred tank) at Pushkar, Rajasthan. His teachings focused on the concept of "prema" (divine love) and the importance of selfless service. He wrote several works, including commentaries on the Bhagavad Gita and other Vaishnavite texts, which influenced later Vaishnavite thought.

## FAQs
- **What was Vallabha's primary contribution to Hinduism?** Vallabha founded Pushtimarg, a Vaishnavite sect, and emphasized devotion to Lord Krishna and selfless service.
- **Where did Vallabha establish his religious movement?** Vallabha established Pushtimarg in Pushkar, Rajasthan, focusing on the worship of the Pushkarini.
- **What were Vallabha's teachings centered around?** Vallabha's teachings centered on "prema" (divine love) and the importance of selfless service to Lord Krishna.
- **What texts did Vallabha write?** Vallabha wrote commentaries on the Bhagavad Gita and other Vaishnavite texts, which influenced later Vaishnavite thought.

## Why They Matter
Vallabha's establishment of Pushtimarg had a significant impact on Vaishnavite Hinduism, particularly in Rajasthan. His teachings on devotion and selfless service continue to influence Vaishnavite practices and devotion to Lord Krishna. His works remain important references in Vaishnavite theology.

## Notable For
- Founder of Pushtimarg, a Vaishnavite sect
- Emphasized devotion to Lord Krishna and selfless service
- Wrote commentaries on the Bhagavad Gita and other Vaishnavite texts
- Influenced later Vaishnavite thought and practices

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Vallabha was born in 1479 in what is now Rajasthan, India. He received his early education in Vaishnavite philosophy under the guidance of prominent teachers, including those in the Braja region, where Vaishnavism had a strong tradition.

### Founding of Pushtimarg
In the early 16th century, Vallabha established Pushtimarg, a Vaishnavite sect centered in Pushkar, Rajasthan. The movement focused on the worship of the Pushkarini, a sacred tank, and emphasized devotion to Lord Krishna. Vallabha's teachings emphasized "prema" (divine love) and selfless service to Lord Krishna.

### Teachings and Writings
Vallabha wrote several commentaries on the Bhagavad Gita and other Vaishnavite texts. His writings, including the "Bhagavata Purana" and "Bhagavad Gita," were influential in shaping Vaishnavite theology. His commentaries provided interpretations of these texts, emphasizing the importance of devotion and selfless service.

### Influence and Legacy
Vallabha's teachings and the Pushtimarg sect had a lasting impact on Vaishnavite Hinduism. His emphasis on devotion and selfless service continues to influence Vaishnavite practices and devotion to Lord Krishna. His works remain important references in Vaishnavite theology and have influenced later Vaishnavite thought and practices.

## References

1. IdRef
2. BnF authorities
3. CERL Thesaurus
4. Faceted Application of Subject Terminology
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. Nationalencyklopedin
7. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
8. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
9. Internet Philosophy Ontology project
10. Sapere Encyclopedia
11. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
12. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
13. Quora
14. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
15. Catalogo of the National Library of India